According to media reports of the High Court appeal hearing, lawyers questioned the integrity of two judges who had testified as secret witnesses and argued that their testimony was insufficient to prove guilt.

Failure to report the alleged influence casts doubt on their intention, lawyers added, noting their admission of following instructions from Saeed and Hameed to cancel arrest warrants and deliver verdicts.

Lawyers were reportedly unable to conclude presenting their 15-point appeal at Thursday’s hearing. The three-judge High Court panel said they could continue at the next hearing and asked the state to prepare written responses.